Belonging

For the first time since then, River felt a sense of belonging, a connection to something bigger than herself. She had always been cast away. Always on the search for her true purpose. For where she belonged and maybe she had found it.

The fear and confusion that had gripped her slowly began to recede and was soon replaced by a sense of intent.

Without realizing it, she joined the chant, her voice blending with the others. The words themselves held no meaning, yet they resonated within her like a profound, crude language stirring from within her soul.

Little Leo had his eyes wide with fascination. He carefully tilted the vial, allowing a single drop of blood to fall into the center of the circle. As it touched the stone, it erupted in a sudden burst of flame that startled even the seasoned witches.

The fire, however, was short-lived. It morphed into a swirling cloud of smoke, tinged with a surreal silver color. River’s breath seized.

Beautiful.

The smoke that emanated from t